Impact deflector for track work



April 9, 1963 H. H. TALBoYs IMPACT DEF'LECTOR FOR TRACK WORK 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5, 1960 s., ,m m@ W i Vl? mw f e A m7 YW r ,I n www Mn .e ,Z a l A QN N f rqon Il 4 l r o www s@ B NQ o .,y ci NQ www %w\ vm Q N\\ www n e e www. @E vs eeeeee N\ \MQ\M\ SMN April 9, 1963 H. H. TALBoYs IMPACT DEFLECTOR FOR TRACK woRx 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1960 f RN e www im R. s., n o s T y a Y- N a K a WM n ,mM/ ya. f# eq M M, w Ilmllpll WE NQ xwmh" u `\W%\ M 1 w r w WMM @Sk N\\\w\\\ ESQ SQ .h SQ m 3 dan N l l I l l {M'JFPY k www @E April 9, 1963 H. H. TALBoYs 3,084,362

IMPACT DEFLECTOR FOR TRACK WORK Filed Aug. 5, 1960 3 sheets-sheet s IN VEN TOR.

Patented Apr.. 1%23 3,984,362 IMPACT DEFLECTR FGI?. TRACK WIIII Henry H. Talhoys, ltiil'fvankee, Wis., assigner to Nordberg Manufacturing Company, Milwankee, Wis., a corporation oi Wisconsin Filed Ang. S, 19st?, Ser. No. 47,680 6 Claims. {(Il. 15m-55) rl`his is 'a continuation-impart of Serial No. 29,605, tiled May 17, 1960.

This invention is in the iield of track sweepers and is concerned with a deilector assembly positioned aheadA of the sweeper so that ballast propelled forwardly by the sweeper will be deilected and thrown or placed outside of the rails.

A primary object of the invention is a deector which will give the propelled ballast both ra vertical and a horizontal component of movement.

Another object is a method of handling and placing ballast.

Another object is a combination sweeper and deector which places the ballast properly with a minimum of effort.

Another object is a dellector which places tall or substantially all ballast outside of the rails in one step.

Another object is a ballast deilector which may be manually set olf or on the rails.

Another object is a ballast deflector of the above type with removable wear plates.

Ano-ther obiect is a wear plate for a ballast deector.

Other objects will appear from time to time in the ensuing specification and drawings in which:

FIGURE il is a perspective of a track sweeper and deflector;

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the deiiector with the cover plates removed and without wheels;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the defleotor;

FIGURE 4 is a front view with the left side deflector plate removed; and

FIGURE 5 is a top view, on a reduced scale, with the right half of the upper frame removed.

As shown in FIGURE l, the unit is made up primarily of three main parts, a vehicle 10, an impeller 12 on the front of the vehicle, and a detlector or baffle 14 ahead of the impeller. ri`he details of the vehicle and impeller, as such, are not important to this invention. The vehicle may have a suitable power unit for self-propelling the entire unit as well las operating the impeller. The impeller is rotated in a direction to sweep or propel loose ballast forwardly, as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 3, and the entire assembly moves to the right `in FIGURE l. The 'Lnpeller may be divided into three sections, a center section and two side sections with gaps between them so that they will tit between the tie ends and straddle the rails. It can be said that the impeller operates between the tie ends. The impeller may be made of separate paddles, for example four circurnferentially spaced, radially disposed blades or paddles which are solid, flexible, and resiliently stili strips adjustably and removably corniected to ta center shaft or rotor.

The deiieetor or baille 14 is made up of two main parts, iirst a main Aframe, indicated generally at A, for example in FIGURES 3 and 4, and, second a top frame or cover which is removably mounted laterally across the top of the main frame and indicated generally at B, for example in FIGURES 3 and 5. The main frame is mounted on suitably flanged wheels 159 on an axle 152. Vertical .angles or corner posts 154 on each side rise from the axle to longitudinal top angles 155 connected by a crosspiece 156 in FIGURE 5. The main frame includes lower longitudinal angles 153 on each side which are connected, as by welding or otherwise, to the vertical corner posts. These extend rearwardly and are connected to the top angle 155, on each side, by a strap or llat 160. The center of the axle may be connected by two vertically disposed angles 162, somewhat spaced from each other, to a main center brace lett or the like, which may take the form of an upside down clhannel, extending rearwardly. I position tan angle 168 in FIGURES 2 and 4 laterally between the lower angles 1158 with a strap or angle 171) in FIGURE 4 extending up from the middle of brace 16S and connected to the bottom of the main center brace 164.

It will be noted that the main center brace 164 is somewhat longer and extends farther rearwardly than the side top frame members 155. Also, the lower frame members 15S are somewhat lon-ger than the upper frame members 155, but not as long as the main center brace 164. I position ats or strips 172 extending from t-he rear end of the main center brace 164 outwardly `and forwardly across the rear end of the top side frame members and outwardly beyond it somewhat as at 174 in FIGURE 5. I also connect another flat 176, as shown in FIGURE 4, to or adjacent the rear edge of lthe rst :diagonal hat 172 and about the saine length, on both sides but sloping down.

I mount the upper frame or cover on the main frame which includes rear and forward angles or frame mernbers 178 and 18d having pipes 132 connected between their ends to make up a somewhat rectangular trahie. Diagonally disposed angles 134 are suitably braced by longitudinal angles 186 with a center longitudinal angle 18S extending between the main frame members. I may mount a stud 199 on the forward angle on each side to be connected to the Vehicle by suitable bars 192 or the like, shown in FIGURE l, through a cotter key 194 so that the unit may `be adjusted as to height, inclination, and position. The upper frame may be bolted to the lower or main frame in a number of places, for example at 198, 269, 202, 204i, 2% and 203 in FIGURE 2. I position covering plates 210, as shown in the left half of FIGURE 5, between the main frame and top frame which conform along one edge 212 more or less to the diagonal strips or ilats 172 and are held in place by a plurality of bolts 214 or the like.

I attach deflector or divider plates 216 to the inclined ats or strips 176, one on each side sloping inwardly toward each other and abutting at an inclined edge 218. The outer edge 22) of each may be at right angles or roughly perpendicular to the top edge. The top edge is connected by a plurality of bolts 222 or the like to the inclined dats 176. I position a bracket 224 adjacent the inner edge 218 of each, to be connected to each other. Toward the outer edge 22?, I position another bracket 225 which is connected to the end of the side frame member 158. The lower edge 225` or" each plate may be generally straight and parallel to the upper edge. I provide a cutout '239 toward or adjacent the outer edge having a `slot 232 rising somewhat. I then bend a portion of the lower edge from the top of the slot toward the bottom of the inner edge, along a line 234, the bend being made upwardly at a suitable angle, say 35 or so to the plane of the plate to form a wing deflector 235. The outer portion of the lower edge of the plate is removed, as at 236. ri`he two plates may be the same except symmetrical opposites.

T o cover or mask the gap between the rear edge of the deflector and the forward end of the impellcr on the vehicle, I may attach suitable flexible strips of rubber or the like laterally across the rear edge of the upper frame, as at 238, by bolts 214, so that the material thrown up 3 by the impeller will not injure anyone or damage other equipment.

As shown in FIGURE 1, I may also position an intermediate removable deflector 246 on each side connected to the upper frame by a T-slot connection 242. The lower edge of each such deflector may be provided with a flexible blade or panel 244 removably connected, as at 246, so that it may be replaced when excessively worn. It will be noted in FIGURE 1 that the lower end of the flexible piece or section may engage the ballast. It should also be noted that the inner edge of the removable deilector stops just about at the rail. The removable deflectors 240, as such, may be considered as working or cooperating with the outer sections of the impeller outside of the rails over the tie ends.

The ballast is propelled forwardly the impeller and is deflected outwardly by the divider plates. The removable deflectors 240 on each side are disposed generally parallel to the deflector plates 216 but spaced from them to define outlets or channels, as at 248' in FIGURE 'l. The space behind the removable deiiector also defines another outlet or channel, indicated generally at `250 in FIGURE 1.

I may also mount a roller 252 on top of the impeller frame to engage an angle 254 mounted on and projecting rearwardly from the top ofthe deliector. It should be noted that the flat edge of the angle is opposite the roller and the angle tilts down at 256 so that the roller will tend to center itself. Thus the operator may raise the impeller which, in turn, will raise the rear end of the deliector so that adjustment of the deiiector may be made to either raise or lower the rear of the deiiector prior to a sweep. This may also be used to raise the deflector at crossings, switches, etc.

The use, operation and function of my invention are as follows: t

I provide a deliector structure which is constructed and adapted to roll on the track ahead of a sweeper which propels loose ballast or the like forwardly. The deiiector is constructed to deflect the material freely to either one side or the other. The deliector plates themselves are positioned at an inclined angle, a double inclination, inclined first to the vertical `and second to the direction of the track. For example, the plates may be disposed roughly at 34 or 35 to the direction of the track and also 34 or 35 to the vertical. The angle of inclination to the vertical is important since the material propelled forwardly will be rising somewhat. Upon striking a deector plate, it will be given an additional vertical component of movement due to the inclination of the plates. It will also be given a lateral component of movement in accordance with the lateral inclination of the plates. The best operation is for the material to ystrike the plates and deflect outwardly and upwardly with sufficient velocity to clear the rails after deliection. The spacing between the detiector plates and the side deflectors 249 is such, relative to the lateral angle of the deiiector plates, that the material will normally fly out through the opening or passage 24S without striking the back of the removable deiiector. At the same time, the material outside of the rails on top of the tie ends will be propelled forwardly and will be deflected outwardly by the removable deiiectors. I may operate the unit without the removable deflectors in which case the inclined deflector plates will receive all of the ballast.

The removable deiiectors may or may not be inclined at the same angle, both to the vertical and to the rails, as the divider plates 216. Or they may be more or less vertical, somewhat as shown in FIGURE l, since it is not necessary that they give the lballast a vertical component of movement. In a sense the removable deiiectors 240 only have to deflect the ballast outwardly and not vertically.

Also, the upper or top deliector frame extends out beyond the sides of the lower or main frame. For example,

in FIGURE 2 the upper frame or top cover may be considered to extend out just about to the tie ends. The angle of inclination of the deliector plates 216 is such that the ballast rises enough, after bouncing o of the inclined deflector plates 21o, so that it hits the cover plates 210 at a point about half way out and is deliected down. Thus, when the ballast passes over the rails, it is moving down and will land outside of the rails. Depending upon where the ballast is initially positioned between t'ne rails, it may not strike the cover plates 216 until after it is beyond the rails.

In a sense, the ballast is deflected twice, first against the inclined plates `so that yit moves out and up, and next .against the flat overhead `or cover plate, so that it is knocked down but is allowed to finish its outward travel. The most desirable is a double bounce, and this is true for the vast majority `of the ballast. But it should be understood that some of the ballast will not rise suiiiciently after the iirst bounce and Will not hit the top cover plate. But this is not important since it will still land outside of the rails.

It is important to move the ballast using as little energy as possible. Having the ballast strike the deiiector plates and fly to either one side or the other in free Hight without again having to be picked up by the impeller is the most ellicient. y The deiiector and cover plates are replaceable items since lthey will be subject to wear and, =as such, I preferably bolt them to the frame or attach them by any suitable means which will llet them be replaced easily. The lover-all unit may be tilted either up or down about the wheels .to vary the vertical inclination of the plates which in turn wil-l somewhat vary the rise of the ballast yafter the first bounce.

As viewed from above, the plates cross the rails at a substantial angle, for example at about a 34 or 35 angle, so that the material propelled forward by the impeller will be deflected out to the side at a substantial angle, for example, at about 68 to 70 to the rails. As shown in FIGURE 3, the plates are tilted substantially to the vertical, for example of the order of 34 or 35, when viewed on edge, to igive the vertical movement to the ballast.

' The upper pla-tes in the top frame are also replace- Iable items since they become worn. And I preferably bolt them in place. The entire deiiector may be made sufoiently light so that it may be manually picked up and either removed or put on the track. The ybars 182 on each side may be used -as handles either in putting the deflector on -the track yor .taking it off, or they may be used to .lift the top frame olf of the main frame when the Various wear plates are being replaced.

The Wing Vdeflectoi's 235 `are 4gener-ally inside of the rails and the cut-outs 230' formed out of a part of the wings yand also a part of the deileotor plates lit over the rail. Ballast that is not thrown high enough by the impeller will hit the wings, and they in turn, due to their steep inclination, make sure that this ballast will get up -above rail height. In a sense, the part of the ballast which hits the wings may bounce three times, finst against the wings, second against 'the main divider plate, and third lagainst the overhead. In some situations the third bounce may not take place. But, in any event, the wings make sure that most, if not all, of the ballast gets up 'to the main divider plate and above the rails.

While I have shown and described the preferred form of my invention, it lshould be understood that suitable additional modifications, changes, substitutions and alterations may be made without departing from the inven- -tions fundamental theme. I, therefore, wish that the invention be unrestricted, except as by the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a sweeper for use on railroad track and the like, la vehicle adapted to move along the track, 4a rotary impeller on the front of the vehicle spanning the rails and constructed to propel ballast forward freely from 'the roadbed in a lateral area generally between the tie ends, and a deector positioned forward of the impeller having deliector plates positioned on the gener-al level of the impeller, each plate having its outer edge forward of its inner edge and its top edge forward of its bottom edge, and disposed at a suicient angle inclined both to the direction of the rails and to the vertical so 'that ballast propelled forward by the impeller, upon striking `one of the plates, will be deilected both outwardly and sufficiently upwardly to otherwise clear the rails in free flight, said deector defining an unencurnbered free path inclined outwardly Iand forwardly over each rail for the deflected ballast.

2. The `structure of claim 1 further characterized in that the detlector plates merge at a point lgenerally midway between the rails and extend forwardly and outwardly therefrom spanning each rail, a cut out portion in each plate over the rail, and a portion bent rearwardly and upwardly from the general plane of the plate on the `lower edge of the plate inside the rail.

3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by, and including, removable deector plates positioned outside of the rails, generally over the ltie ends, and spaced rearwardly from the rst mentioned deector plates.

4. The structure eof claim 1 further characterized by, and including, a generally horizontal cover plate over the deilector plates on a level generally with the top of the impeller and overlying the rails on both sides so that the ballast deflected upwardly by the deflector plates will be deccted down outside of the rail.

5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by, Iand including, a wing portion on each deector plate `along the lower edge thereof, upstruck from the general plane of the plate rand tapering inwardly toward the inclined inner edge of each said `deflector plate, each wing portion being inclined at an angle to the horizontal so 'that the portion thereof adjacent the outer edge of the deflector plate extends to a position generally above the top of the rails ,and the portion thereof `adjacent the inner edge of the deectior plate is positioned generally below 'the top of the rails.

6. The structure of claim 1 further characterized by, and including, a removable delector plate on the outside of each rail, positioned generally over the tie ends, and spaced rearwardly from the rst mentioned dellector plates, each such removable deflector plate having -a flexible element mounted along its lower edge extending downwardly therefrom into contact with the ballast on the tie ends to perform a ballast smoothing operation on the tie ends when rthe vehicle `and defleetor move lalong the track.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 364,135 Roberts May 31, 1887 `2,583,378 Kershaw Jan. 22, 1952 2,929,084 Kershaw Mar. 22, 1960 

1. IN A SWEEPER FOR USE ON RAILROAD TRACK AND THE LIKE, A VEHICLE ADAPTED TO MOVE ALONG THE TRACK, A ROTARY IMPELLER ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SPANNING THE RAILS AND CONSTRUCTED TO PROPEL BALLAST FORWARD FREELY FROM THE ROADBED IN A LATERAL AREA GENERALLY BETWEEN THE TIE ENDS, AND A DEFLECTOR POSITIONED FORWARD OF THE IMPELLER HAVING DEFLECTOR PLATES POSITIONED ON THE GENERAL LEVEL OF THE IMPELLER, EACH PLATE HAVING ITS OUTER EDGE FORWARD OF ITS INNER EDGE AND ITS TOP EDGE FORWARD OF ITS BOTTOM EDGE, AND DISPOSED AT A SUFFICIENT ANGLE INCLINED BOTH TO THE DIRECTION OF THE RAILS AND TO THE VERTICAL SO THAT BALLAST PROPELLED FORWARD BY THE IMPELLER, UPON STRIKING ONE OF THE PLATES, WILL BE DEFLECTED BOTH OUTWARDLY AND SUFFICIENTLY UPWARDLY TO OTHERWISE CLEAR THE RAILS IN FREE FLIGHT, SAID DEFLECTOR DEFINING AN UNENCUMBERED FREE PATH INCLINED OUTWARDLY AND FORWARDLY OVER EACH RAIL FOR THE DEFLECTED BALLAST. 